AA has been implementing this for 3+ years and may only recently have rolled this out at the airports frequented by OP. In any event, calling this a "devaluation" is way over the top. Counter agents are perfectly happy to check in those who either can't use a kiosk because they require a document check or have some other ticketing issue or simply can't manage a kiosk. There is also usually a floating agent helping people through the process.

On those rare occasions when I have a bag to check, I find the kiosks much preferable to dealing with an agent. It is simple, fast & efficient. I am not certain why it is better service and thus a perk of flying in a premium class or having "status" that AA pays someone to do what a pre-programmed can do at least as well, if not better.